What’s Included in a RAID Trip?

A RAID isn’t just a ride — it’s a full immersion. We strip away the distractions so you can give yourself completely to the road, the gravel, and the moment.

Your trip covers it all: handpicked hotels on a double-occupancy basis (with single upgrades available), seasoned guides on the road, and full support vehicles at your back. Nutrition and hydration are dialed — energy bars, electrolytes, and our signature handmade rice cakes fuel every mile.

Meals come included, with beer and wine where it counts. Bags are transferred, porterage sorted, laundry taken care of, and restaurant gratuities covered. You ride — we handle the rest.

And when the day’s work is done, the RAID recovery lounge is waiting: protein shakes, recovery tools, and a cold beer to mark the finish. The road takes, we give back.

Home Base (When We’re Not on the Road)

RAID Cycling calls the West Coast home, splitting time between San Francisco and the Sierra’s — though more often than not, we’re on the road, from the Bay Area down to Punta Mita, Mexico. Shoot us a note anytime: whether it’s about one of our departures or just rolling out for a ride, we’re always up for the conversation.

Who We Are

RAID was born from the vision of Brad Sauber — travel lifer, founding head of Rapha Travel, and co-founder of inGamba. Around him, a crew of lifers: ex-pros, industry stalwarts, and hospitality heavyweights. Together, we build trips that cut deeper than a ride — experiences that stay with you, raw and unforgettable. Check out more about our story here, and our team here.

Bring the Bike. Bring the Grit.

Yourself, a road or gravel bicycle in good working order, three changes of kit apropos for weather (we’ll be in touch about that), your shoes, a helmet, and an iron will.

Cancel, Transfer, Final Payment or Ride Another Day — What’s the Policy?

At RAID, we want to keep things as flexible as possible while holding the integrity of our trips.

Deposits

• The deposit is fully refundable within 14 days of booking, provided the reservation is made at least 14 days before the final payment due date. After the 14-day period, guests may choose to receive a 50% refund of the deposit or keep the entire deposit as travel credit in their RAID account for future use.

Final Payment Due Date

• Scheduled Departures - The balance of your trip price is due 95 days prior to the trip start date. If you book within 95 days of the trip start date, full payment is due at the time of booking.

• Special / Private Departures - The balance of your trip price is due 155 days prior to the trip start date. If you book within 155 days of the trip start date, full payment is due at the time of booking.

• If final payment is not received when due, RAID reserves the right to cancel your reservation.

We strongly recommend purchasing a travel protection plan to safeguard yourself against fees should you need to cancel your reservation.

Our Rights

We reserve the right to cancel or adjust your trip before departure if circumstances beyond our control make it necessary. These may include, but are not limited to: natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, political unrest, terrorism, armed conflict, sanctions, or major accidents and infrastructure failures (collectively, “Events Outside Our Control”).

We may also alter or cancel a trip at our discretion, though we assure you this would only ever be done when strictly necessary.

If We Cancel Your Trip

Should RAID need to cancel your trip, you’ll receive a $150 credit valid toward any RAID departure within the next two years. You may also choose to:

• Transfer to another available trip, or

• Receive a full refund of all monies paid.

Please note: we cannot refund any flights or insurance you’ve arranged separately — which is why we strongly recommend holding off on booking these until your trip is confirmed.

We also reserve the right to withdraw your participation if you engage in abusive, threatening, or illegal behavior. RAID trips are built on respect and shared experience — and we protect that spirit above all.

Transferring Your Trip

If business or personal circumstances prevent you from joining your scheduled departure, you may transfer your booking to another RAID trip with available space, provided it departs within two years of your original trip. There is no fee to move your full payment across.

Transfers made 60 days or fewer before departure will be treated as a cancellation, with our standard cancellation policy applying.

Single vs. Double Occupancy & Roommate Matching

All RAID trips are priced on a double-occupancy basis. This means you’ll share a hotel room each night with another guest of the same gender, each with your own bed.

Single occupancy is available for an additional cost. If you select shared accommodation, you authorize RAID to pair you with another traveler. Pairings are same-gender and assigned at time of travel. If we’re unable to match you, you’ll be responsible for the single-occupancy supplement. Booking early improves the chance of finding a suitable roommate.

Please note: RAID cannot guarantee compatibility between roommates. By choosing shared accommodation, you accept the inherent risks of sharing a room (differences in sleep habits, snoring, illness, etc.). Any disputes must be resolved between roommates.

If, once on tour, you request alternate single arrangements and they are available, you will be responsible for all related costs, payable immediately upon confirmation.

Guides, Support, and the Crew Behind You

With a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:3 or 1:4, you’re never riding alone. On a 9-person trip, you can expect two guides — and often a third staff member — with you on the road, in the support van, and at the table, keeping the experience personal, attentive, and fully supported.

Inherent and Unique Risks in RAID Itinerary Activities

Adventure is at the heart of every RAID journey—but with it comes a level of risk that’s part of what makes these experiences real. Each itinerary may include activities with their own unique challenges and conditions. The following outlines some of the specific risks that can be encountered during RAID Cycling trips.

Service Providers & Suppliers

We may engage or license qualified professional tour operators to organize and manage certain activities or travel components within a RAID itinerary. Each designated tour operator (including its parent companies, affiliates, employees, officers, directors, agents, and assigns, collectively referred to as “Tour Operator”) acts solely as an agent for independent transportation carriers, hotels, ground operators, restaurants, or other service providers (“Suppliers”).

Suppliers are exclusively responsible for delivering their respective services. RAID Cycling and its Tour Operators are not liable for any delay, mishap, inconvenience, expense, irregularity, bodily injury, illness, emotional distress, death, or property loss arising from the acts or omissions of any Supplier. Each Supplier’s operations are governed by the laws and regulations of the country or region in which their services are provided.

Passenger tickets issued by any carrier constitute the sole contract between the traveler and that carrier, which assumes no responsibility for events or acts occurring when travelers are not aboard its conveyances.

Independent Activities

If you choose to take part in any activity, excursion, or experience not organized or led by RAID Cycling or our designated Tour Operator, you do so entirely at your own risk. Neither RAID Cycling nor the Tour Operator has any responsibility for, or control over, your safety or well-being during such independent activities.

Trip Activity Level, Requirements & Unique Risks

Guests are encouraged to review the full details of their selected RAID itinerary before booking, to understand the activity level, physical requirements, and range of included experiences. Some activities may involve specific or heightened risks (“Unique Risks”) as described in the Travel Agreement. Certain itineraries may not be suitable for all travelers—particularly those with mobility limitations or medical conditions—due to terrain, environmental factors, or the nature of the activities involved.

Please note that neither RAID Cycling staff nor our partners or contractors can provide physical assistance during any portion of the trip. All guests are strongly advised to consult their personal physician prior to booking, and select itineraries may require written medical clearance before participation. For questions about suitability or activity requirements, please contact RAID Cycling directly.

Allergies & Special Dietary Requests

Meals on RAID itineraries are prepared using locally sourced ingredients and reflect the availability of each region. While we do our best to accommodate dietary needs, specific meal requests may not always be possible at every stop. Please note that most food and beverage venues are independently owned and operated.

For meals arranged by RAID Cycling, we make every reasonable effort to communicate dietary restrictions to our partners; for pre-packaged items, we rely on supplier and manufacturer labeling. Because preparation methods and ingredients vary, guests are responsible for determining whether any offering meets their dietary requirements. We cannot guarantee that any meal or product will be completely free of allergens.

Boating Activities

(Including but not limited to zodiac and jet-boating, kayaking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting)

These activities take place in dynamic natural environments where conditions can change quickly. Risks may include drowning, hypothermia, or injury from falling overboard or through protective barriers—whether the vessel is stationary or moving. Guests may also experience impacts or injuries from rough or unpredictable waters, contact with rocks, trees, gear, or other participants, or during embarkation and disembarkation on slippery or uneven surfaces. Additional risks include vessel capsizing, prolonged exposure to sun or cold water resulting in sunstroke or hypothermia, and potential encounters with marine wildlife.

All-Terrain Vehicle Activities

(Including but not limited to driving, riding, and participating in game drives, safari drives, jeep drives, and 4×4 tours)

These activities take place across varied and unpredictable terrain. Risks may include falling or collision; being struck by objects or debris; or injury resulting from rough trails, ruts, holes, or uneven surfaces. Participants may experience strong jolts or impacts from being jarred, bounced, or thrown within the vehicle. Environmental exposure can also lead to cold- or heat-related conditions such as frostbite, heat exhaustion, sunburn, or dehydration. Additional risks include operator error, fatigue, loss of balance, dizziness, or encounters with wildlife.

What Level of Rider Do I Need to Be?

RAID trips aren’t for first-timers. We ask that all riders be comfortable holding a C-pace (15–18 mph) and riding confidently in a small group. Fitness levels will vary, and groups may naturally split on the road, but know this: no rider is ever left behind. Before you Book a RAID, please read here.

Each departure is marked Intermediate or Advanced, with mileage and elevation totals listed so you can choose the trip that fits your legs and your spirit. New to RAID? Start here — and read every word before you commit.

Do I need Travel Insurance?

You are about to go on a fantastic trip. Isn't it important that you are protected against unexpected cancellations and sudden health emergencies? Our merchant partner WeTravel offers insurance at time of booking. To learn more about that service, please visit HERE FOR INSURANCE. They will provide a quote from Travelex Insurance. The location number to purchase WeTravel's travel insurance is 05-1361.

Travel insurance and a Global Rescue Membership are not the same thing. If you are a frequent adventure traveler, we recommend checking out a Global Rescue Membership.

A Global Rescue membership is more than financial protection. Travel insurance policies are only designed to protect your wallet. Nobody wants to imagine an emergency abroad. When the unexpected happens, you want the team of medical and security experts at Global Rescue to be there for you. There is a reason why more than one million members trust Global Rescue, including NASA, U.S. Ski & Snowboard and National Geographic Whether you’re a leisure traveler or an extreme adventurer they deliver when it matters most. VISIT SITE

Airport Transfers

On most RAID trips, airport transfers are included — from the designated arrival airport on Day 1 and back on the final day. Your pre-trip packet will confirm the details for your departure.

Japan Exception: Our Japan itineraries do not include airport transfers. The country’s transport network is world-class — fast, seamless, and affordable — and we’ll guide you to the best options for your schedule.

And no, overpriced airport-bar cocktails still aren’t included.

If I Can’t Keep Going, Can I Get in the Van?

Yes — you can always #getinthevan. But know this: we’ll do everything we can to keep you rolling — with encouragement, snacks, and the occasional bit of shameless bribery.

Do You Provide Bicycles on RAID Trips?

No — we don’t supply bikes directly on our departures. But we’ll happily help line up local rentals or assist with shipping and assembly at the trip start and finish points.

do you want to ship your bike to the trip?

For some of our trips, our friends at BikeFlights have you covered for bike boxes and bike shipping. Coordinate with the team at RAID for a delivery address and then connect with BikeFlights to arrange pick-up and delivery. Want to ship your bike home after the trip-same scenario applies. We can assist with the logistics and let BikeFlights take care of the rest. *Bike shipping is not typically available on international trips outside the U.S. due to customs restrictions, bike case sizes and duties-the cost can be upwards of $3500-5,000.00 USD to ship a bike internationally.

Retail Shops, Clubs & Coaching Partnerships

RAID partners with bike shops, coaches, and clubs to create tailored trips and offer financial incentives. We’ve built custom departures around the specific ridership, skill level, age, and style of our partners’ communities — always keeping the spirit of RAID intact.

Options include:

• Trip Buyouts: Reserve all or part of a scheduled RAID departure (minimum 8 riders).

• White-Label Trips: We build and run the trip while your brand leads the story, with co-branded marketing materials provided.

Incentives: Partners earn commissions on bookings, or receive complimentary spots for shop staff/coaches — one free place for every 8 riders.

We’re always open to the conversation. Let’s create something unique for your riders.

MEN’S ROAD BIKE SIZING CHART

RIDER HEIGHT
Feet & Inches Centimeters Frame Size Size
4’10”-5’0” 148-152 48 XXS
5’0”-5’3” 152-160 51 XS
5’3”-5’6” 160-162 52 S
5’6”-5’9” 168-175 54 M
5’9”-6’0” 175-183 56 L
6’0”-6’3” 183-191 58 XL
6’3”-6’6” 191-198 61 XXL

How to Book & Pay for RAID Trips

At RAID, we’d rather be riding than pushing paper. That’s why we use WeTravel — a secure, seamless platform for booking and payments. It lets you reserve your spot and pay online with ease, and makes refunds quick and fee-free.

Payment Options

• Bank transfer (ACH/eCheck): no fees, the lowest-cost option.

• Credit card: available, but a +2.9% fee applies (+3.9% for AMEX). We pass this on rather than build it into trip pricing, keeping our overall rates lower than most operators.

• International guests: if you don’t have a U.S. bank account and prefer not to use a card, you can send funds directly via SWIFT — just reach out and we’ll provide details.

As a U.S.-based operator, there’s no EUR or GBP VAT added to your booking.

To learn more about WeTravel’s global Data Protection and Security, view HERE

If you have questions about International Pricing and paying in foreign currencies, please visit HERE

Waiver & Terms

Before we roll out, we’ll ask you to sign our standard terms and waiver — just a bit of paperwork to keep things clear and simple. You’ll find it attached here.

Health, Safety & COVID Precautions

On RAID trips, we look out for one another. While vaccination isn’t required, we strongly encourage it and ask all guests to travel responsibly. We continue to take sensible precautions around hygiene, group settings, and shared spaces to keep everyone healthy on the road.

The spirit is simple: respect the group, take care of yourself, and help us create a safe, enjoyable ride for all.

Click here for CDC vaccine guidance.
Click here for the testing center near to you.

As of 12:01 AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight. Click here for the latest CDC guidelines regarding international air travel.

Licensed and insured

RAID cycling goes above and beyond the industry standard when it comes to Professional Liability Insurance and Commercial Vehicle Insurances. In order for us to deliver trips in U.S. National Parks, our General Liability limits far exceed the standard policies. Our Commercial Auto insurance is provided by Mercury Insurance-TWFG INS SERVICES INC, and our Professional Liability Insurance is delivered by XINSURANCE and the Policy is Insured by: Prime Insurance Company. If you would like more information about our insurances, we are happy to provide more info.

RAID Cycling LLC, is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. And RAID Cycling LLC operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service,